Winter road trips boast a special kind of magic—snowy fields, white-capped peaks, frosted forests, and the inimitable crisp, fresh air of the season. However, these adventures come with challenges and dangers, such as unpredictable weather and below-zero temps. For outdoors enthusiasts, staying warm and safe on the road is just as important as planning where to hike or camp, especially if you’re going way off-road. Here are several winter road trip hacks to keep you warm and safe.
Prep Your Vehicle for Winter
Ensure your vehicle is properly outfitted for handling low temperatures, snowy conditions, and ice before its tires meet the road. Proper maintenance in advance prepares your vehicle to shrug off the above difficulties.
If you have a diesel truck, while it offers plenty of power and performance, it requires special cold-weather diesel truck maintenance. Prepare with things like anti-gel fuel additives to keep the fuel flowing.
Regardless of the type of vehicle you own, check and inflate its tires. Or better yet, switch them out with winter-specific tires for extra grip.
If you have a trailer, check it out as well. Trailers require maintenance too since they’re often carrying the supplies you need for all your outdoor adventures.
Pack for Warmth and Safety
Layer to stay warm. This might seem obvious, but make sure its obviousness doesn’t leave you vulnerable. Moisture-wicking clothing in layers prevents sweat from sapping your warmth, and a windproof exterior takes the edge off any chilly gales. Pack extra thermal socks, a warm hat, and gloves that protect you from cold and water infiltration. Watch those fingers, toes, and other extremities—they quickly succumb to frostbite and other cold-weather injuries.
Also, stick an emergency kit somewhere in your vehicle. Pack it with thermal blankets, a flashlight and batteries, a first aid kit, water, nonperishable food, and a battery charger for your phone. A collapsible shovel, traction pads, and an ice scraper are also useful to keep your vehicle clear of snow and ice and can dig you out of drifts and ditches.
Watch the Weather
Winter weather is fickle, swift, and merciless. Check forecasts in advance and frequently, and monitor the road conditions along your route. Weather and map apps help you spot potential hazards before you encounter them. If a storm is brewing, don’t be a hero. Delay your trip or find a safe place to stop and stay overnight.
Drive Cautiously
You should prepare your car or truck to handle nasty conditions. However, don’t push it. Drive carefully rather than trying to put your vehicle to the test. Drive defensively, following the speed limit or going slightly slower in adverse conditions. Keep some distance between you and other vehicles on the road, avoid sudden braking, and try not to skid. During snowy and foggy conditions, your vehicle’s low beams provide greater visibility.
Those are just a few winter road trip hacks to keep you warm and safe. You won’t have fun on your next outdoorsy outing if you’re always freezing and stressed. Be smart, be safe, and have fun!
